View Resource

Land Use Planning for Public Health: The Role of Local Boards of Health in Community Design and Development

Not Applicable
2006
N/A
N/A N/A   
Urban | Suburban |
This article focuses on the health issues arising from the built environment and the roles of both the government and private sector must do to combat these issues. First the article discusses issues affecting the built environment, such as decreases in water and air quality, loss of farmland, increase in traffic and residential segregation. A key focus in the article is how transportation plays a major role in shaping the built environment and how urban design can create greater quality neighborhoods. The article also goes into detail about walkable communities and active living strategies that can work to decrease the issues impacting overall health. The authors conclude by explaining how critical the Board of Health’s role is to involve all people within their community and establish coalitions on education to raise awareness on how land use can mitigate public health issues.